The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has created an outdoor television set on campus which will allow students to learn more practical media skills in an industry standard environment.

The set features the external frontage of a pub called the Ashton Arms, a shop named M. K. Newsagents and two houses. A pavement and a road have also been created which will allow the students to film external scenes using a range of props, vehicles, and even a green screen to use computer graphics to extend the set even further. It will be used in conjunction with the internal studio space in the nearby Media Factory.

The new ‘street’ will be used for the first time later this month when UCLan students will work with cast and crew members of Coronation Street and Emmerdale for ITV’s Soap in a Week project.

Scriptwriting undergraduates are already working on story ideas for the 15 minute production. Over five days, from 22 to 26 February, they will edit and re-write scenes while fellow students will work with industry experts to organise the sound, lighting, cameras, wardrobe, hair, make-up and post-production. Acting students will share the stage with a selection of professional actors while a UCLan student will direct the action.

Dr Andrew Ireland, Executive Dean of the College of Culture and the Creative Industries, said: “This is a fantastic initiative and one we believe is crucial to the development of our creative students. We are passionate about giving our students the best chance of gaining a job in the media industry once they graduate. Our industry contacts have told us there are skills’ gaps in the television production industry. By having this television set on campus it means our students will work in an environment similar to a television production company and they will develop the required level of technical skills. The University’s motto is innovative thinking for the real-world and this is a prime example of that in action.”

By having this television set on campus it means our students will work in an environment similar to a television production company and they will develop the required level of technical skills

He added: “The College of Culture and the Creative Industries is planning a number of initiatives that use simulations of real world experiences to address skills gaps in graduates wishing to work within broadcast industry. SPARK (Simulation Park) provides opportunities for learning through simulation and we are currently developing a curriculum working closely with industry partners.”